In 1929 the New York Stock Exchange crashed, and a global economic crisis with mass unemployment and poverty began. Despite the crisis, Nilfisk continued with its exportation - this is an advertisement from China dated 1931.

"Even young boys sometimes needs a Nilfisk"

To survive the crisis, new product development was given priority. These new products were sold in large numbers, which proved that the strategy was a major success.

The Nimbus motorcycle was revived in 1934 as a new and much improved model, which earned the nickname of "the bumble bee" thanks to the distinctive sound of its engine. As competition from other motorcycle brands increased through the 1950s, the Nimbus ceased its production for good in 1959.

In 1932 a new and radical Nilfisk vacuum cleaner was introduced. In comparison to its contemporaries, it is almost silent and was consequently named as "the Silent Dane".